Literary Elements
Author's Background
Character
Theme
Symbols
100
What was an adjective used by Baldwin to describe the junky?
Funky, repulsive, others.
100
In what city was James Baldwin born?
Harlem, New York
100
What's the narrator's brother's name?
Sonny
100
What is theme?
the main idea an essay articulates and the point that all evidence, example, and/or reasons support
100
Throughout the entire story, the author is always talking about darkness. He also talks about stepping into the light. What character steps into the light at the end of the story?
Sonny
200
How did Baldwin’s diction help convey his attitude in the beginning of the story?
The narrator was pessimistic, paints a bleak portrait. Others.
200
What issues were prominent in his writing?
Racial and social issues
200
Why was Sonny in prison?
He had an awful drug addiction and he got caught at a traphouse.
200

What are some major themes of the story? (4)

Redemption

Family

Struggle

Identity

200

What does the brother's name symbolize? (2)

It symbolizes the sun and how the entire story revolves around him. -and- Through his music, he brings a lighter mood to his family.

300
How did slang help to set the mood in the story?
Helped the author give the piece a more casual feeling, others.
300
How long was Baldwin a youth minister?
Two years
300
Who said this quote, "I know you never saw your Daddy cry. But I did--many a time, through all these years."
Sonny's mother
300
By the end of this story, what does the narrator learn about brotherhood?
He learns that brotherhood means letting go of the past and taking care of one another.
300
What do the windows symbolize?
The windows represent that people can see the rough life that is out there but instead choose not to deal with it.
400
How does the quote - “He turned back to the window, looking out. ‘All that hatred down there,’ he said, ‘all that hatred and misery and love. It’s a wonder it doesn’t blow the avenue apart.’” (Line 333)-help display Sonny’s view on Harlem, catharsis, or music?
The irony. Others.
400
What era did Be Bop and Rhythm and Blues become popular?
1940s
400
What is the narrator's name?
It never says.
400

What story can Sonny's Blues themes relate to?

"The Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison

"The Bluest Eye' by Toni Morrison

400
What do the scotch and milk symbolize?
How Sonny is struggling to choose between the good and the bad. The scotch representing the bad and the milk the good.
500
Creole looked about him for the last time, as though he were making certain that all his ____????____, and then he-jumped and struck the fiddle.
Chickens were in the coop –diction helps convey the image of Creole as the organized leader.
500
What does Black Tuesday mark the beginning of?
World War II
500
What does the name Creole represent?
Creoles were the educated African Americans in New Orleans who had a heavy influence on the history of the area and jazz music.
500

What connection does jazz music have to the overall theme of the story? (2)

In Sonny's Blues, jazz music represents Sonny's struggle and his self-expression. It also represents the connection that bonds Sonny and his brother.

500
What does Grace symbolize in the story?
Her death brings the brothers back together and on better terms. Death brings life into uncertain things. It brought 'grace' upon their relationship.
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